John Dennis Covaney, 74, of Gloucester, passed away April 9, 2018 after a long and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. John was born on Jan. 16, 1944 to Joseph Daniel Covaney and Theresa Maria Ciardella Covaney at Margaret Hague Maternity Hospital, Jersey City, New Jersey.
As a youth, John attended Our Lady Queen of Peace from kindergarten through 12th grade and was active in baseball, basketball and football, later becoming a high school official in those same sports he loved. After moving to Michigan he also began officiating at the collegiate level. He was an avid fan of the New York Yankees, Giants and Knicks.
John was preceded in death by both of his parents, and was an only child.
John is survived by his wife Sharon Anne Covaney; his son, Dr. Michael J. Covaney (Dr. Sharon Covaney); his daughter, Christina C. Burton (Sergeant Richard Burton), and his grandchildren, Jason and Jocelyn Covaney and Katie Burton.
His marriage to Sharon brought him several extra blessings including Virginia and Robert Welch, Jeff Lanier, Megan and Jason Kinlaw, as well as grandchildren, Spencer, Neal, Hunter, Dallin and Taylor Welch and Mathew Kinlaw.
He is also survived by many other family members and friends that he acquired over the years while working at SeaLand Service, the Virginia Port Authority, and Suttle Motors. His work carried him to all parts of the world but he was never happier than being home with family. In his retirement he enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, which included endless swim and gymnastics meets, as well as baseball and soccer games. Walsingham Academy held a very special place in his heart as he spent many hours in the stands or poolside.
The family would like to thank Dr. Ronald Haggerty and his staff, Dr. John Miller and the staff at Riverside Oncology, and Riverside Hospice for their impeccable care and prayers. And a special thank you to Joanne Knauf for her selfless care in his final days.
In lieu of flowers, please consider contributions to the organizations John was an active volunteer in: the Mathews Lions Club and Bread for Life Food Pantry at St. Therese; the American Cancer Society, the Hospice organization of your choice, the Gloucester SPCA or the Walsingham Academy baseball team.
A Mass and celebration of life will be held Thursday, April 12, 2018, at 11 a.m. at Church of St. Therese 6262 Main Street, Gloucester, Va. 23061. A luncheon will follow the service at the church.